The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as an affront to the rights of citizens of the State.
The group in a statement signed my its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi said the declaration poses a significant threat to the democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The declaration has brazenly contravened the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which President Bola Tinubu pledged to uphold, by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The group said although Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency, it does not authorize him to suspend an elected governor. “Chapter 6, Part 2, Section 188 of the Constitution specifies a defined procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy governor, which necessitates an impeachment process by the State House of Assembly.”
CHRICED in the statement called on President Tinubu to revoke the emergency rule to uphold peace, democracy, and stability.
“This action is essential for the economic health of Nigeria. If this decision is not overturned, it may signify a return to an outright dictatorship. Moreover, not lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State could result in prolong political turmoil, jeopardizing the hard-won peace in the Niger Delta and hindering economic progress.”
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